A Walk Through Hell, Volume 1

This is a very strong comic! It has mystery, disturbing imagery and interesting characters. I read the volume in one sitting and although I've already started volume 2, I want to focus this review on volume 1 only (volume 2 starts to get elements that I find a bit annoying). This review will also be spoiler-free.

I'll start with a piece of general criticism

These volumes are way too short and if felt like volume 1 ended too abruptly. I'm sure the author didn't think about the volume when he was writing the plot for separate issues, and this is, once again, why a proper volume should contain at least 10 issues.

The strong points

The story is constructed in such a way that, although you dive into in in medias res, you get to learn about the characters through a series of flashbacks. It's a type of storytelling that I really like, because I always prefer to get my information in bits and pieces to chunks of exposition.

I also like the main FBI agents whom we follow throughout the story. I think they are well-written (especially Shaw!) and as the story progresses, we get a more and more nuanced depiction of their personalities.

The book has gore, but it's not gratuitous. Every time there's something gruesome on the page - it is there for a reason. I'm normally rather sensitive to gore, but I think it works very well in this book (although I'd still advise caution to people who can't stand violent imagery).

Anyway, it's 2am and I need to go to bed (or finish volume 2 first).